Because of your support, Victoria introduced a Container Refund Scheme in 2023—an incredible step forward for recycling and cutting waste. Now we need your help to bring Australia in line with global best practice.
Across Australia, these schemes are stalling. The 10c refund has lost value, return rates are plateauing, and billions of containers still end up in landfill or are littered in our environment. Meanwhile, many containers and bottle tops are still excluded. Volunteer groups like Beach Patrol and Love Our Streets continue to clean up thousands of items week after week.
We know there’s a simple way to fix this: raise the refund to 20c and expand the scheme.
Here’s what we’re calling on governments to do:
- Increase the refund from 10c to 20c per container
- Include wine and spirit bottles and other containers
- Include bottle tops and introduce tethered tops to slash litter rates
- Expand refund point access so every community has convenient options
Why it matters:
- A 20c refund can drive return rates from our current 60% to over 90% (global best practice)
- More containers recycled = cleaner streets, rivers and oceans
- More money back to households, charities and community groups
- More jobs in recycling and logistics (11.6% increase estimated)
- The public is already behind it—85% support doubling the refund—but we need governments to act.
You alongside 50.000 supporters helped introduce the scheme in 2023. Now we need your help to bring Australia in line with global best practice.…
Sign the petition now
Email your MP today
Want to stay updated on this campaign and others tackling plastic waste?
Subscribe to our updates here and be the first to hear about how we can make an impact
Together, we’ve already shown what’s possible. Now, let’s raise the bar and make container refund schemes stronger, fairer and better for everyone.
Thank you for your ongoing support,
Boomerang Alliance Team